New Hyundai i30 N Line ‘warm hatch’ is sporty and sensible

July 23, 2018

The new Hyundai i30 N Line is a ‘warm’ alternative to the i30 N hot hatch, which has so impressed critics since launch. It follows a tried-and-tested formula of combining a sporty appearance with a more fuel-efficient engine.

Unlike rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf R-line and Ford Focus ST-line, the i30 N Line is only offered with a single engine – and it’s a petrol, not a diesel. The 1.4-litre T-GDI motor produces 140hp, positioning it suitably far from the 250hp 2.0-litre turbo i30 N and 275hp N Performance.

Sales start in the summer, and prices will be announced soon.

N Line, looking fine

Typical of the breed, the i30 N Line gets special logos, new front and rear bumpers that carry an ‘N Line’ silver paint strip, twin exhausts and, for the first time on a five-door i30, 18-inch wheels. The black roof spoiler is a neat addition, and black door mirrors also help it stand out from the regular car.

There’s a perforated leather steering wheel and N gearknob inside, plus Hyundai’s offering a set of N-branded suede sports seats. It otherwise looks little different to other i30s inside, presumably to keep costs sensible.

Mind you, Hyundai has, pleasingly, spent more on sharpening up the underpinnings – something that isn’t always guaranteed with this type of car. The firm says the suspension has been tuned to make it feel a bit sportier, and the response of the engine has also been sharpened up.

Bends and brakes

Hyundai i30 N Line

Michelin PS4 performance tyres are fitted, too, along with larger brake discs – an interesting move, given that the engine doesn’t have any more power. Presumably Hyundai is assuming people will be driving it harder, so will have more need for a decent set of anchors.

Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, vice president of marketing and product at Hyundai Motor Europe, rather forgettably said: “Our i30 N has been hugely successful since launch, showcasing our capabilities in high-performance engineering and emotionalising our brand with its fun-to-drive factor.

“Now we are extending that feeling to a wider audience with the new i30 N Line. We believe the comprehensive package of design and engineering enhancements will continue to attract more new customers to the Hyundai brand in Europe.”